Narrator

1

There was a man named Zacchaeus in the town of Jericho. He was a tax collector. At that time, nobody wanted to be a tax collector, so many people didn't like Zacchaeus. He had no friends.

Narrator

2

One day, Jesus was visiting the town of Jericho. Everyone was so excited to see Jesus. There were crowds around Him. The street was very busy. Zacchaeus was also in the crowds.

Zacchaeus

3

I can't see anything. I want to see Jesus, too.

Narrator

4

Zacchaeus was short, so he could not see Jesus at all in the crowd.

Zacchaeus

5

Oh, I have a good idea. I'll climb up this fig tree.

Narrator

6

Zacchaeus climbed a fig tree to see Jesus at a glance. When Jesus came to the bottom of the tree, He looked up Zacchaeus and told him:

Jesus

7

Zacchaeus, come down now.

Narrator

8

Zacchaeus climbed down the tree.

Zacchaeus

9

Hello, Jesus.

Jesus

10

I want to be your friend.

Zacchaeus

11

Really, Jesus? You want to be my friend?

Jesus

12

Yes, Zacchaeus. Could you take me to your house and spend time with me?

Zacchaeus

13

Yes, please!

Narrator

14

Zacchaeus led Jesus to his house, and they sat together to talk and have a meal. Meanwhile, outside, the crowd started talking about Zacchaeus.

Person 1

15

Why did Jesus go to Zacchaeus' house?

Person 2

16

Doesn't He know Zacchaeus is a sinner?

Person 3

17

Zacchaeus is a tax collector. He takes more money than he should.

Zacchaeus

18

Jesus, please listen to me! It's so nice to have a meal with friends. I have been collecting money from men and women of all ages. But you made me aware that money is not as important as friends! So I will give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay them back four times as much!

Narrator

19

Zacchaeus went out of the house and he told everyone about this in a loud voice.

Person 1

20

What?!

Person 2

21

That's amazing!

Jesus

22

Zacchaeus, today salvation has come to your house. You are a true son of Abraham.

Narrator

23

Jesus showed everyone that He loves and cares for everyone, no matter their mistakes or what others think of them. Just like Zacchaeus, we can change our hearts and be kind to others.